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Rival Gaza protest groups clash at UCLA; IL farmers on costly hold amid legislative foot-dragging; classes help NY psychologists understand disabled people's mental health; NH businesses, educators: anti-LGBTQ bills hurting kids, economy.

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Ukraine receives much-needed U.S. aid, though it's just getting started. Protesting college students are up in arms about pro-Israel stances. And, end-of-life care advocates stand up for minors' gender-affirming care in Montana.

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More rural working-age people are dying young compared to their urban counterparts, the internet was a lifesaver for rural students during the pandemic but the connection has been broken for many, and conservationists believe a new rule governing public lands will protect them for future generations.

Back to School Means Back to Bed for AZ Kids

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Wednesday, August 24, 2011   

PHOENIX - Children in Arizona head back to school this month, which means it's time for reading, writing, arithmetic - and rest.

A good night's sleep equals success in the classroom, experts say, and it starts before the first day of school. Dr. Kevin Smith, a sleep specialist with Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, says inadequate sleep can lead to irritability and impaired focus. He warns parents: Don't wait until the night before school starts to adjust your child's bedtime.

"The longer you have to do this, the easier it is. I recommend starting a couple weeks before school, but even if you started today, the key is to make the increments as small as you can to make that adjustment easier."

Reducing your child's exposure to light will help with the back-to-school sleep transition, he says.

"Light affects our body, our sleep-wake cycles, and exposure to light late in the evening can delay our body's ability to fall asleep. "

Have children come inside earlier, Smith says, and decrease their exposure to bright lights and light from the screens of electronics such as television, cell phone, and the computer 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.

A child's sleep environment also plays a role in getting a good night's rest, Smith says.

"Looking at the child's bedroom, and seeing, is it a comfortable temperature? Is it dark? Is it quiet? Really looking at where your child sleeps and talking to your child about that. It's environment that is most conducive to a good night's sleep."

Elementary-school children need up to 11 hours of sleep each night, Smith says, while older students need nine hours.


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